Prominent Women of God’s Grace
Clothed in Humility:
Consecrated and Competent New Testament Women.
Foreword: Generally speaking, I have avoided reproducing sermons on this blog. In this case - I am retiring a sermon outline that seems to resonate in the hearts of my students, or so some have said. Many student-pastors, and pastors too, overlook the importance of their marriage relationship as a ministry team to the Lord's glory... Such a mistake has dire consequences for all... May this simple outline challenge stronger spiritual teamwork through increased mutual respect. DrMSBsr
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1 Peter 3:5 “For in this way in former times the holy women also, who hoped in God, used to adorn themselves, being submissive to their own husbands; 6 just as Sarah obeyed Abraham, calling him lord, and you have become her children if you do what is right without being frightened by any fear. … 8 To sum up, all of you be harmonious, sympathetic, brotherly, kindhearted, and humble in spirit…”
—- 5:5b “God is opposed to the proud, but gives grace to the humble. 6 Therefore humble yourselves under the mighty hand of God, that He may exalt you at the proper time, 7 casting all your anxiety on Him, because He cares for you.” (nasv)
MARY, the mother treasuring and pondering God’s grace. Luke 1:38; 2:18-19, 51
From Mary’s first mention until the last mention of her in Acts 1:14, she lived a life that represented the inner strength and dignity found in those women who have demonstrated a humble and unchanged trust in God.
Mary’s commitment to the Word and will of God is clear from her determination to be truly available to God. Her life was as example of a life clothed with simple and honest obedience. Romans 15:2 “Each of us is to please his neighbor for his good, to his edification.”
LYDIA, the responsive and faithful business woman of Philippi. Acts 16:12-15 13 “A woman named Lydia, from the city of Thyatira, a seller of purple fabrics, a worshiper of God, was listening; and the Lord opened her heart to respond to the things spoken by Paul. 15 And when she and her household had been baptized, she urged us, saying, 'If you have judged me to be faithful to the Lord, come into my house and stay.' And she prevailed upon us."
Lydia, the first European convert to Christ, was already a Gentile convert to Judaism. She had the business woman's enthusiasm and mental acumen. Lydia responded to Truth by committing her heart and life to trust in the Lord Jesus Christ as her Savior and to immediately begin serving Christ.
PRISCILLA, the spouse who served Truth at her husband’s side. Acts 18:2, 18, 26.
“Apollos, the Alexandrian by birth, … acquainted only with the baptism of John; 26 and he began to speak out boldly in the synagogue. But when Priscilla and Aquila heard him, they took him aside and explained to him the way of God more accurately.”
Priscilla, an Asian Jew, the wife of Aquila served together as a couple and a spiritual-team of life-long co-workers of the Apostle Paul. Her knowledge of New Testament Truth was used of the Lord together with her husband to disciple the famed Apollos in “the way of God more accurately.” [Their service is a beautiful example to the many Christian couples who are serving the Lord together.]
EUNICE, a mother serving as a generational conduit of sincere faith. 2 Timothy 1:5
“For I am mindful of the sincere faith within you, which first dwelt in your grandmother Lois and your mother Eunice, and I am sure that it is in you as well.”
A daughter of a Jewess that married a gentile. She accepted Christ as her Savior in Acts 14:6-7 at Lystra. Known for her family ministry as a witness to and discipler of her son, Timothy. She serves history as an example of a mother’s mission to her children. 1 Cor. 7:14 “The unbelieving husband comes under Christian influence by union with his christian wife, and the unbelieving wife is influenced by her union with her Christian husband. Otherwise their children would be left outside any direct Christian influence or spiritual preparation for faith in God.“ (Free Translation from the Greek- drMSBsr)
The Mission of Motherhood:
Today’s families live under unprecedented financial pressures, daily stresses and emotional exhaustion! The disintegration of the Christian home , the loss of commitment to the church and the disrespect for authority in society: government and schools is the result. The prayers, consistent example and encouragement of mothers is desperately needed! Husbands that live considerately, respectfully and as co-heirs (1 Peter 3:7) together with godly wives can form a spiritual team with such wives and they together will bless their children and strengthen all those who see their faith in Christ.
